Author Interview with Nancy Lee Parish

1. Your book Amulet, the first in the DragonBlade series is quickly climbing the ranks on Amazon. Tell us where the idea for this captivating story came from.

After reading several fantasy stories that were very dark, and where the characters were either super evil or super good, I decided that I wanted to write something a bit more uplifting where not all is as it appears.

I wanted a more human element to the story, yet a story that still remained fantasy. I also liked the idea of portraying dragons with wisdom and intelligence – and a sense of humor.

2. You have a powerful tagline for your book ‘Sometimes the greatest legends are born from the darkest hearts’. Tell us how that tagline came about.

That tagline is something that my husband came up with. He is very supportive of me and reads everything I write. He came out of the shower one day and said, “I’ve got it!” Thus a tagline was born!

3. On your website, you have a book trailer for Amulet, tell us what went into the making of this trailer?

I actually made the trailer myself, and have since made several other book trailers. For me, it starts with finding music that fits the story. Next, I write a script, find pictures that feel right, add text, etc. A lot of the graphics I did myself as well.

My autistic daughter drew the amulet and the sword handle that are becoming synonymous with the DragonBlade Series. My son found the music for that trailer. A lot of what goes into my books and trailers is really a family affair.

4. How long did it take you to write Amulet and what was the toughest part about the journey?

Actual writing time was probably only a few months, but it was spread across three years. The toughest part of writing Amulet was trying to keep my laptop powered up!

Due to a bizarre set of circumstances, including the death of my children’s father, we were homeless when I began writing. We lived in tents in what felt like the middle of nowhere for nearly nine months. Starting to write Amulet was a major turning point for us. It gave us hope.

As winter approached, we decided that tenting in 40 below was not going to be an option. We packed up what little we had and travelled 3,000 miles to where we now live. Life has changed a lot since then. I really have no idea how we made it. There’s a lot to be said for hope as fuel.

5. What would readers be surprised to learn about you?

Besides the fact that Amulet began in a tent? That’s a tough question. I have five kids (all adults now), two with varying degrees of autism, one is a triplet. Really, I’m just a regular person who stays up late writing in my pajamas!

6. What do you hope readers take away from Amulet?

Enjoyment, first and foremost. And maybe a bit of hope. There are a few “nuggets” tucked into the story that I have picked up along the way.

Thoral has a real grasp of those. One of his most quoted lines is: “Sometimes things happen for a reason, and it ain’t always apparent what that reason is when it’s happenin'”.

7. What’s next in store for the series?

Tablet of the Sun is the next book in the DragonBlade Series, due out in late spring. There will be at least one more book after that. Maybe more.

Nancy, love the interview, the story sounds wonderful! I, too, was homeless for a while, but I lived in a cheap sleazy hotel right down from the bar. After school, my youngest came to work with me because drug deals went down there and her older brother was working so I was afraid to leave her there. We also had a drunk try to break into our room one night. Oh, the memories. I bet you have many living out of a tent, as well. My hat’s off to you holding your family together and creating a better life. I’m hopping over to buy your book now!

Yes, lots of crazy memories being homeless – but they’re not all bad. One night a shelter was suggested to us – we drove in and drove right back out. It was scary! We bought ice cream and slept in the truck that night, and the four of us agreed that we felt like we were in the Hilton after seeing that shelter! We really bonded as a family during that time.

Nancy Lee Parish is one of my favorite authors. Thanks so much to both of you for giving me a chance to learn more about her and her wonderful books! I am waiting on pins and needles for Tablet of the Sun!!! If you haven’t read Amulet, you MUST! It is phenomenal!!!

Wow, Nancy. I had no idea you have such an inspiring story of your own, through the writing of this book. To me it makes the book that much more special. I know what it’s like to live on the tight end of things, but I’m not the one in my family who’s been virtually homeless. I hope your life is even more blessed through future books you write. You have a true gift. Your book is also a breath of fresh air to me in the world of dragon fantasy. I haven’t been this excited about dragons since coming across Dragon Lance, or even playing the game Skyrim. (Oops, my geek is showing again.)

I’ve always loved the idea of dragons being wise instead of evil and something to be destroyed. (Well, some of them, anyway!) There aren’t a lot of books out there that take that approach – so I wrote my own 🙂

I am very excited and humbled that so many people seem to be enjoying Amulet.

Your story is so inspiring, Nancy. I hope things are easier for you now. Your daughter’s artwork is beautiful and I’m impressed with her talent. Where is the book trailer you and your kids created? I’d love to see it.

Thanks for your comments, Ciara!
Once we got used to tenting, it wasn’t so bad. We only got snowed on once. The wind was a bit of a problem sometimes.
But now, 2 years later, it is the campfires and the laughter I remember most. 🙂

Found your book on amazon and I am getting so close to finishing the Amulet but I keep stopping myself cause I know there are more books after….. please tell me when I will be able to purchase Tablet of the Sun?!?!? I can’t wait to start reading it. You are a talented writer and I look forward to reading more of your books. Best of luck to you!

Hi Amanda!
Glad you are enjoying Amulet 🙂 It’s always great to hear! Tablet of the Sun will be out very soon. If you’re on Facebook, follow my author page or DragonBladeSeries page – that’s where it will be announced first. Or drop me an email at amulet2010@gmail.com and I can put you on an email list if you like 🙂
Thanks for your kind words!